News Details

Oceanside Police Arrest Fugitive in 2002 Homicide

On March 1, 2012 Oceanside Police Detectives took custody of 40–year-old Fernando Herrera-Salas from U.S. Marshalls and booked him into the Vista Detention Facility for a 2002 Oceanside Homicide. Salas was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the U.S. where we believe he has been hiding since the murder occurred.

On 02/17/2002 at approximately 5:25 p.m., Salas and several other gang members allegedly fatally stabbed 29–year-old Clemente Nulutagua in the 400 block of Garfield Street. Salas fled to Mexico immediately after the homicide, and a warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

In September 2011 Mexican Law Enforcement authorities located and arrested Salas for the outstanding murder warrant. He was held pending extradition to the United States. On 3/1/12, U.S. Marshall's escorted Salas to the United States where they turned over custody to the Oceanside Police Department.

Salas was a documented gang member at the time of the homicide and will be charged with murder, PC 187.

Two of Salas' alleged accomplices, Jose Manuel Garcia and Carlos Herrera-Salas, (Salas' brother) were arrested shortly after the homicide in 2002. Both are serving 20 year sentences.